Volvo Ocean Race

Visit the race


There’s no better way to follow the race than to get up close and personal at the race villages. Get amongst the action of the world’s toughest sailing race and check out 10 amazing countries as the Volvo Ocean Race fleet sails into 10 host ports around the world in 2011-12.

The race began in Alicante, Spain on October 29 and will visit Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Sanya, Auckland, Itajaí, Miami, Lisbon, Lorient and finish in Galway, Ireland in July 2012.

Next Stop Auckland
The pacific islands of New Zealand is where all the action will be from March 8 to March 18 where Auckland’s new multi-million facility is ready to go. The famous City of Sails promises to be a lively playground for everyone visiting the Race Village. You can learn more about Auckland and organising a trip here at Auckland host port page while the official Auckland port website gives a full rundown on the facilities and a flavour of what to expect.

For more information, visit the Auckland Stopover website www.volvooceanraceauckland.com.

Auckland race village will be open from March 8 - 18, 2012

The Race Village is located at the Viaduct Basin - See the location here

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Auckland Race Weekend

- Friday March 16, 1200 local (2300 UTC March 15) Pro-Am Race

- Saturday March 17, 1400 (0100 UTC) In-Port Race

- Sunday March 18, 1400 (0600 UTC) - Leg 5 start to Itajaí

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Host Port 6 - Itajaí
The Brazilian city of Itajaí will play host to the race from April 4 to April 22.  As the second largest port in Brazil Itajaí is always bustling with action on and off the water. Click on the Itajaí host port page to learn more about the race’s first stop at Itajaí, after visiting Rio de Janeiro five times in past editions. The Itajaí official host port websiteis crammed with even more information, including suggestions on what to do in the region to make the most of your stay.

Host Port 7 - Miami
America’s sunshine state of Florida will host the fleet in Miami from May 6 to May 20.  With more than 24 kilometres of beaches, buzzing bars and restaurants, there will not be a dull moment. You can find ideas on things to do in Miami, practical tips and a host of other information at Miami host port page, while for an in-depth look at the race village, the programme of events and much more besides go to the official host port website.

Host Port 8 - Lisbon
Next stop is Lisbon, Portugal, with its melting pot of cultures, history and architectural treasures. The colourful city’s race village will host the action from May 31 to June 10. You can get more information about the city and how to make the most of it at Lisbon host port page. Be sure to check it out for more information on visiting Lisbon as we get closer and closer to the action at the official host port website.

Host Port 9 - Lorient
The Formula 1 of the sea’s next pit-stop is Lorient, France from June 17 to July 1. Get closer to Lorient at the host port page . The city is continuing to build on its rich maritime history, with pontoons stretching more than 1 km offering great vantage points, and you can get all the detail you need about the host port and race village at the official host port website.

Finish Host Port - Galway
Final stop: Galway, Ireland from July 3 to July 9. For the second time the vibrant city will host the Volvo Ocean Race, having offered an unforgettable experience to almost 420,000 visitors in 2008-09. How will Galway top that? You can get an idea by visiting Galway official host port website while our Galway page has information on travel and what to do.